The news of a tuition hike didn't come as a surprise to college presidents, already working with students to help make ends meet.

"One of our major concerns in the University System of Maryland is that we keep tuition affordable. We want to make sure that the students of Maryland can get a college education, can finish a college education, and that it's a good one," Towson University President Dr. Maravene Loeschke said.

Here's how the 3 percent increase will look on this fall's college bill for in-state tuition: It adds up to a $215.25 increase for students at the University of Maryland College Park, $169.80 for Towson University, $115.62 for students at Coppin State University and $212.55 at the University of Maryland College Park. The student member of the University System Board of Regents believes the increase could have been a lot higher.

"Tuition has to go up right now in order to keep the funding up for the universities. We recognize that quality is also important, just as important as access, so three percent is not that bad considering what other states are doing," said Steven Hershkowitz, student regent.

The student regent was one of two dozen college government leaders who met with the governor back in the fall. In that meeting, he pledged to try and hold down college cost.

In the meantime, the chancellor said he expects the state will spend more on other college programs.

"We anticipate an infusion of new funds to help the system move forward on the goals the state has for higher education: better degree completion, workforce development, greater impact on economic development," Dr. William Kirwan said.

The General Assembly will have the last word on the governor's higher education package. Although tuition is going up slightly, it may not stop schools from raising certain college-related fees.